FCC: Thanks, but no thanks

Regardless of whether the Federal Communications Commission's long ban on the use of cellphones during flights actually is necessary for aviation safety, it is critical for peace within the society that is created inside the airplane each time the door is sealed and the plane backs away from the terminal.

Now that the FAA has concluded that use of electronic devices is not a safety issue regarding operation of aircraft, it already has ended its ban against gate-to-gate use of electronic devices other than cellphones. And the FCC is likely to lift the ban on cellphone use once a plane reaches 10,000 feet.

Most air travelers already have experienced their fellow passengers' cellphone usage upon landing - the recounting of the joys or terrors of flying and reliving of the details of the flight they had just personally experienced.

A majority of passengers have reflected the annoyance in answering a poll on the subject that had been commissioned by the FAA: 51 percent disapproved of lifting the ban; 47 percent approved; the rest were undecided.

The FCC and the FAA are regulators. Even if they lift the prohibition, whether cellphone use actually is allowed will be up to airlines.

In an era when most airlines charge extra for almost everything, it's a sure bet that freedom from other passengers' cellphone conversations will come with a premium-priced cellphone-free section, earplugs extra.

We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines:

To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.

Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.

Think you have the cutest pet in NEPA? Share a photo of your furry companion and you could win prizes from our sponsors! Deadline to submit an entry is March 19, and voting will take place from March 20-March 31.